Password Protect PDF

Add a password to a PDF in your browser. Encrypt the file so it can only be opened with the password you choose — nothing is uploaded.

Choose one unprotected PDF. We read it locally — nothing is uploaded.

Advanced options (owner password & permissions)

The owner password unlocks full control of the document, including changing permissions. If left empty, your open password is used for both.

Allowed actions

Uncheck an action to restrict it for people who open the file with the user password.

ToolsSoup's Password Protect PDF is a free online tool that encrypts a PDF with a password, entirely in your browser. It applies real AES PDF encryption so the document can only be opened by someone who knows the password, and optionally restricts printing, copying, and editing. Your file is never uploaded — the encryption happens locally on your device, so even sensitive documents stay private.

What does it mean to password protect a PDF?

Password protecting a PDF encrypts its contents so a reader such as Chrome's built-in viewer, Adobe Acrobat, or Preview will prompt for a password before showing the document. ToolsSoup encrypts the file with standard PDF encryption: it sets a user (open) password that is required to view the PDF, and optionally an owner (permissions) password that controls what readers may do. Unlike simply hiding or zipping a file, this is genuine encryption written into the PDF itself — without the password the content cannot be read. Everything runs locally in your browser, so the document and your passwords never leave your computer.

How to password protect a PDF online

Adding a password to a PDF with ToolsSoup takes just a few seconds:

  1. Click Select a PDF file and choose the document you want to protect.
  2. Type the password readers will need to open the file, then confirm it.
  3. Optionally open Advanced options to set a separate owner password and choose which actions (printing, copying, editing) are allowed.
  4. Click Protect PDF, then download your encrypted, password-protected file.

User password vs. owner password

A PDF can carry two passwords. The user (open) password is what someone must type just to view the document — this is the main password most people want. The owner (permissions) password grants full control, including the ability to change the restrictions or remove protection; it is what enforces the printing, copying, and editing limits you set. If you only enter one password, ToolsSoup uses it for both roles, which is fine for simply locking a file. Set a distinct owner password when you want to share the open password with readers but keep the ability to fully control the document to yourself.

Why use this PDF password protector?

  • 100% free with no ads, sign-up, watermarks, or page limits.
  • Runs entirely in your browser — your PDF and password are never uploaded.
  • Applies real PDF encryption that standard readers will prompt to unlock.
  • Optional separate owner password for permission control.
  • Restrict printing, copying, editing, and annotations.
  • Works offline once the page has loaded.

Frequently asked questions

Is this PDF password protector free?

Yes. Every tool on ToolsSoup is completely free, with no account, sign-up, watermarks, or hidden limits.

Is my PDF or password uploaded anywhere?

No. The entire encryption happens locally in your browser using JavaScript, so neither your document nor your password is ever sent to or stored on any server.

Will the password actually be required to open the file?

Yes. The tool writes standard PDF encryption into the file, so viewers like Chrome's PDF viewer, Adobe Acrobat, and macOS Preview will prompt for the password before showing the document.

What is the difference between the user and owner password?

The user password is needed to open and view the PDF. The owner password controls permissions and lets you change or remove protection. If you leave the owner password empty, your open password is used for both.

Can I stop people from printing or copying the PDF?

Yes. Open Advanced options and uncheck the actions you want to restrict, such as printing, copying text, or editing. These restrictions are enforced by the owner password.

I lost the password — can you recover my PDF?

No. Because the encryption runs only on your device and we never see your file or password, there is no way for us to recover a protected PDF. Keep your password somewhere safe.